Crack Chicken Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner.
With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe combines the rich flavors of ranch and cheddar cheese with tender chicken and crispy bacon, making it incredibly satisfying and addictive. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in one dish, which means less cleanup!
How To Make Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of bacon bits
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 4 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
3-Step Directions:
- Cook the Pasta & Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain. In a skillet with olive oil, season and cook chicken breasts over medium heat for 7–8 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred the chicken and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits until well combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time And Nutrition Facts
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, making a total of 35 minutes. It serves 6 people, and each serving has about 450 calories, with approximately 30 grams of protein and 25 grams of fat.
How To Serve Crack Chicken Casserole
Serve the Crack Chicken Casserole warm, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How To Store CrackChicken Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven until heated through or microwave individual portions.
Tips To Make Crack Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to avoid over-browning the cheese.
Health And Benefits Of This Recipe
This Crack Chicken Casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you full. It also includes various vitamins and minerals from the added ingredients, contributing to a well-rounded meal. While it does contain fats from cream cheese and bacon, the dish can be adjusted for a healthier twist by using low-fat ingredients or reducing the amount of cheese.
Variation
You can easily adapt this casserole by swapping out the pasta for quinoa or using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add in veggies such as broccoli or zucchini to incorporate more nutrients and flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! Just ensure you cook them thoroughly and adjust the cooking time accordingly.Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day.Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite protein source and omit the bacon.What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or rotini works well due to their ability to hold the creamy sauce.How do I make this dish spicy?
Add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy cheese to the mixture for a kick!Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative that adds creaminess!How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain. In a skillet with olive oil, season and cook chicken breasts over medium heat for 7–8 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred the chicken and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
